Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this Cheesy Mexican Beef and Bean Bake! It’s a deliciously hearty dish that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, nachos, or a cozy bowl of goodness, this recipe has you covered! Let’s dive in and make something amazing together!
What You Need for Cheesy Mexican Beef and Beans
Let’s talk about ingredients! Making this Cheesy Mexican Beef and Bean Bake is super easy, and I bet you might have most of these items in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef (or your choice of protein): I usually go for beef, but chicken, turkey, or even pork work just as well. Got some leftover lamb? Why not throw it in?
- Red onion: This adds a nice sweetness! You can use yellow or brown onions if that’s what you have on hand.
- Green capsicum (bell pepper): This is the vibrant pop of color you need! Feel free to mix it up with any other sauté-able veggies you like—zucchini, carrots, or even corn are great options!
- Red kidney beans: These are a classic, but black beans are a delicious alternative. No beans? Toss in more veggies instead!
- Tomato passata: This smooth, rich sauce is essential for that comforting flavor. You can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or tomato puree if needed.
- Pickled jalapeños: They add a zing! If you’re not a spice lover, you can skip these or swap them for some canned green chilies.
- Garlic: I can’t imagine this dish without it! Chop it up and let that aroma fill your kitchen.
- Cheese: Use a good melting cheese like Colby for the creamiest finish. If you want, throw a bit of mozzarella on top, but sprinkle some parmesan over it for extra flavor!
Mexican Spice Mix
You’ll also need some spices to give this dish its Mexican flair! Here’s what goes into the mix:
- Cumin powder
- Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper (if you like it hot!)
- Salt
And there you have it! Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, cheesy masterpiece. What’s stopping you? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Mexican Beef and Bean Bake
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this amazing Cheesy Mexican Beef and Bean Bake! It’s super simple, and trust me, you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Ready? Let’s go!
- Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). We want it nice and hot for that melty cheese moment!
- Sauté the Veggies: Grab a large, ovenproof skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, and green capsicum. Cook them for about 3 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Time to add in the 500g (1 lb) ground beef! Break it up as it cooks, and make sure there’s no pink meat left. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the Mexican spice mix—that’s the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute. Bring out those flavors!
- Add the Good Stuff: Next, mix in the 400g can of drained red kidney beans and 1 cup of tomato passata. Give everything a good stir and let it bubble for a minute. This is when the magic starts!
- Top with Cheese: Now, it’s time for the grand finale! Scatter 1 ½ cups of shredded Colby cheese and 1/3 cup of pickled jalapeños on top. Who can resist cheese, right?
- Bake It: Pop your skillet into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden!
- Serve and Enjoy: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a minute. Then, dig in! Serve it in bowls, with warm tortillas, corn chips, or however your heart desires!
And there you have it—a delicious, cheesy masterpiece that’s sure to impress! Now, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
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